Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been offered for free to those who need it. However, mental health has not yet seen the same progress.
People reported feeling good about their mental health, but many were worried that others weren't. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their mental health and that of others.
1. Helping yourself
Seeking help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. This can be a difficult task, but it's vital for your wellbeing. There are many options to seek help, such as therapies, lifestyle changes, and medication. Each treatment is different, so you should find the one that works best for your particular situation.
The first step to seek assistance is to recognize that you or someone you know suffers from an issue with mental health. If you notice changes in the way that someone you know thinks, feels or acts it's crucial to take action. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for assistance. Joining a support group can help you find others who understand your needs.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're experiencing. They can offer an ear to listen and may be capable of referring you to an expert. Talking about your feelings is a great way to ease anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can lead to a variety of symptoms. These range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. The severity of these issues differs from person to person making it difficult to tell if something is a natural reaction to a stressful situation or a sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that aren't medically accounted for.
In recent times, there has been a change in the perception of mental health. The stigma around mental illness is decreasing, and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a positive step toward a happier, healthier and more productive life. It is recommended to begin by speaking with your primary doctor. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
Mental health issues are now getting the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic news stories and high-profile campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to light. However, we have a long way be before physical and mental health are treated as equal in the UK.
In England, mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. It has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. The lack of data consolidated about the state of local services and the fact that key performance indicators are the same across the entire system (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both mental and physical health. However, the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are different.
To solve this issue, a fresh approach is needed to building mental health resilience. this should be facilitated at the local level by those who are familiar with their communities including religious groups, community groups local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will have to be supported and assisted with the right training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs should also be equipped with the tools they need to provide regular check-ins which aren't overloaded by the demand. They could then connect patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer support. This will ease the pressure placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
The public should be encouraged to take an active role in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, choosing healthier lifestyles and seeking help when needed. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as and also by organizing or attending workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Controlling the situation
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental health care. But there is much work to be completed. There are still many people who have mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma attached. They typically wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical assistance. This could lead to a longer period suffering, higher costs, and a higher chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental disorders are being talked about more freely than ever before. However, there is much to be done, and stigma is still a major obstacle.
The pressure on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health issues grows. The government has committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to improve and expand services across the nation. This will allow 2 million more people to get assistance and improve health outcomes.
More is also being done to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, and also tackle the barriers that hinder people from seeking help. For example, a new fund is being created to provide culturally-appropriate advocacy services for people from minority communities, and a national programme is being developed to support the training of frontline staff in mental health.
There are plans to introduce a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis and improve response times and care for those with mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting times and increase the number who receive support.
There is always someone to assist you when you are struggling. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a local branch. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential support to those who is suffering from emotional distress. They are available 24/7 and can be reached via telephone, email or letter.
4. Take action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's important to take action. The appropriate support can help to stay healthy and well.
One of four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some moment in their lives but it's important to remember that you can recover from most mental health problems. Most mental health issues are mild and short-term and can be managed by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety may be the result of life-changing events, such as the loss of a loved one or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work may also be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and being active, as well as taking control of stress. However, everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more assistance. This could be in the form of occupational therapy, speech therapy or medication.
There's also a broad array of support and charity services that can help with a range of issues like addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it's our responsibility to make sure those aspirations are realized.
Investing in youngsters and young people's mental health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is vital. However, public spending on CAMHS is currently behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a lottery for postcodes.
published here and social care professionals are increasing putting prevention at center of their efforts to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings more than 140 organizations from the health and social care sector who have agreed to an agreement to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's a lot to do. We must change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We need to break down the barriers that divide us, and create a society where mental wellbeing is valued just as physical well-being.